Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: Demand Soars with Full Bookings Until 2025
Unprecedented Demand for Vande Bharat Express
The recently launched Katra-Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express trains have seen an overwhelming demand, with all seats booked until June 10-12, 2025. This surge in reservations follows the inauguration of the Srinagar-Jammu rail link by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025.
This high-speed rail service aims to improve connectivity between the pilgrimage destination of Katra and the stunning Kashmir Valley. It has quickly gained popularity among travelers, especially pilgrims and tourists eager to discover the region. Despite recent setbacks in the tourism sector due to the Pahalgam attack, the two Vande Bharat trains—numbered 26401 and 26403—have emerged as the top choice for many. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) app indicates that there are no available seats in either the Chair Car (CC) or Executive Class (EC) categories, showcasing the strong interest in this new travel option.
Starting operations on June 7, both trains have adhered to their schedules, departing from Katra at 8:10 AM and 2:55 PM, and arriving in Srinagar on time. Over the weekend, the trains operated at full capacity, with many passengers being pilgrims returning from the revered Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine, which attracts millions of devotees annually. The new rail link is anticipated to further enhance religious tourism by providing easy access to Kashmir’s breathtaking attractions.
The rapid sell-out of tickets is particularly significant considering the recent drop in tourist numbers to Kashmir following a terror attack in Pahalgam and military tensions between India and Pakistan. These incidents had raised safety concerns, resulting in a temporary decline in visitors. However, the strong demand for the Vande Bharat trains reflects a resilient interest in exploring Kashmir, known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture.
The Vande Bharat Express is equipped with modern amenities such as comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and enhanced safety features, making it an appealing travel option. Covering around 200 kilometers in less than four hours, it offers considerable time savings compared to road travel, which can take six to eight hours. The route also includes the scenic Chenab Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world, adding to the journey's allure.
Local businesses in Kashmir are hopeful that the rail link will revive tourism and boost economic activity. A local resident in Srinagar remarked, "The Vande Bharat trains are a game-changer for Kashmir. With faster connectivity, we’re witnessing renewed interest from tourists, and we hope this momentum continues."